jensen



Original Filed April 12, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR.- Jamas H Jens/ 21,

TORNEYS.

Sept. 3, 1935. .1. A, JENSEN 19,691

VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES Original Filed April 12, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.I

WITNESSES: g 5 k a R INVENTOR- Jams H J01 wan,

BY W M E WTTORNEYS.

Sept. 3, 1935. J A JENSEN Re. 19,691

VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES Original Filed April 12, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet. 5

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TORNEYS.

p 1935. J. A. JENSEN Re. 19,691

m n 1 l 1 L Zl Z5 DD 9 l9 0 INVENTOR: Jams fl JMLSML,

my Z Sept. 3, 1935. .1. A JENSEN 19,691

VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK VEHICLES Original Filed April 12, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 q v g lNlf'ENTOR:

amas ii Jill/SAIL,

Reissued Sept. 3, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR TANK YEHICLES James A. Jensen, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to Quaker City Iron Works, Philadelphia, Pa a corporation of Pennsylvania 30 Claims.

This invention relates to valve operating mechanism for tank vehicles such as are ordinarily employed in thedelivery of gasoline, oils and other liquid commodities. More specifically, my invention has reference to valve operating mechanism for liquid product delivery vehicles wherein the tanks are subdivided into a number of compartments having individual valves to govern outlets in communication with a common drain pipe that extends rearward along the bottom of the tank. and moreover wherein there is a utility or can box at the rear of the vehicle.

Considered from the broadest aspect, my invention is directed toward the provision of simple and reliable mechanism with segregated controls at a point on the vehicle convenient of access to the driverpreferably in the utility box aforementioned-whereby the drain valves may be operated either individually or collectively as required incident to dispensing the liquid contents of the Several compartments of the tank.

A further object of my invention is to provide in connection with tank valve operating mechanism characterized as above, auxiliary control 29 means, whereby, in theevent of fire at the delivery end of the drain pipe, the individual controls of any valves which may be open at the time, may be simultaneously actuated from a remote point on the vehicle, for example, at the front of the 3B latter.

Another aim of my invention is to provide in association with the auxiliary control means above referred to, means capable, in the event of a fire originating at the rear of the vehicle and persisting in the absence of the driver, of automatically actuating the segregated controls in the utility box, to eflect closure of any open drain valves.

Still another object of my invention is toinsure against the drain valves lieingleft open as a consequence of carelessness or forgetfulness on the part of the driver after making a delivery, through provision of means which will function automatically incident to shutting the door of the utility box, to trip the segregated controls of any open valves.

Other objects and attendant advantages of this invention will be manifest from the detailed descrlption following of the attached drawings, wherein Fig. I is a partial side elevation of a tank vehicle embodying my improved valve operating mechanism.

Fig. II is a fragmentary view showing the top of the vehicle tank.

Fig. III is a fragmentary longitudinal section of the rear end of the tank drawn to a larger scale.

Fig. IV is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken as indicated by the arrows IVIV in Fig. III showing in rear elevation the segregated controls of my valve operating mechanism.

Fig. V is a view like Fig. IV but more limited in scope, showing the rear elevation of the segregated control means on a larger scale.

Fig. VI shows the left hand side elevation of the control means.

Fig. VII is a sectional view taken as indicated by the arrows VII-VII in Fig. V.

Fig. VIII is a. perspective view 01' a universal trip member forming a part of the control means.

Fig. IX is a left hand side elevation of the operating connections for the drain valves.

Fig. X is a rear elevation of the operating connection shown in Fig. IX.

Fig. XI is a sectional view of the safety fusible link means.

Fig. XII is a rear elevation of the safety fusible link means.

The vehicle tank chosen for the purposes of illustration herein, and comprehensively designated by the numberal IS in the drawings, is composed of four serially-arranged separatelyconstructed unit compartments ii of different capacities which are bound to each other and to the chassis ll of the vehicle, after common practice in this art, by embracing straps l8. Similar- 1y secured to the endmost tank compartment Ii at the rear of the vehicle I1, is a utility box I 9 for the storage of utensils, tools, etc. used in dispensing the liquids carried by the vehicle, said box having a door 29 hinged at 2| to swing upward to open position as shown in Fig. III. The several tank compartments l6 are individually provided with bottom discharge outlets 22 which connect with a common drain pipe 23 extending longitudinally rearward of the bottom of the vehicle. see Fig. I. Discharge through the outlets 22 is governable by individual valves 24 which may be of any approved design and which open upward against the pressure of springs concealed within them.

The mechanism which I have devised for selectively operating the drain valves 24 of a vehicle tank structure such as above briefly described. includes a group of segregated controls having the form of lever handles 25 which correspond in number to the valves, and which are housed within the utility box IE at the rear end of the vehicle. As shown in Figs. III, VI and VII, the control handles 25 are of angular configuration viewed from the side, and fulcrumed for independent swinging movement on a shaft 215 which is supported in a mounting 21 secured to the bottom of the box l9 by means of bolts 28, see also Figs. IV-VI. Pivotally connected at their lower ends to eccentric centers on the individual control handles 25 in the vicinity of the bends or angles of the latter, are kinked terminals or toggle links 29 (Figs. III, VI and VII) whereof the upper ends are in turn connected, with interposition of slack adjusting screw fittings 29a. to cables 30. The cables 39 pass through guide tubes 3i which extend upward in the compartment l9 and then longitudinally forward along the top of the tank l5 respectively to individual operating connections 32 for the valves 24 of the several tank compartments I6. From Figs. III and IV it will be noted that the guide tubes 3| are secured at their rear ends by a manifold clamp 33 supported on the top of an upright rectangular frame 34 surrounding the bracket 21, while their forward ends are individually secured as shown in Figs. I, II, IX and X to integral clamps 35 of the bearing brackets 36 of the operating connections 32, which latter are afllxed to the tops of the respective tank sections i6.

Referring to Figs. IX and X, each of the operating connections 32 comprises a bell crank member 31 which is fulcrumed at 38 on the bracket 36. In each instance, the forward end of the cable 38 is connected, by means of a clevis fitting 39, to the downward extremity 31a of the bell crank member 31; while the yoked horizontal extremity 31b of said member has its ends pivotally connected to the ends of a lifting fork 40 at the top end of a stem 4| which extends down through a stuffing box 42 on the bracket 36 into the tank compartment iii. A hooked link 43 extending up from the valve 24 in each tank compartment is connected, with interposition of a turn buckle 44 to the bottom end of the stem 4 I; and a helical spring 45 surrounding said stem and pressing downward against a collar 46 thereon, serves to maintain the corresponding cable 30 under tension, and, at the same time, assists the concealed spring of the valve 24 to hold the latter closed. Normally, the control handles 25 are maintained in vertical position as shown in Figs. IV and VII through engagement of toothlike lugs 25a on them with the top horizontal 21a of the mounting 21,

When any one of the control handles 25 is swung from the normal vertical position shown in Figs. I and V substantially through a quadrant to the horizontal position shown in Fig. VI, a pull is induced in the corresponding cable 39 with resultant opening, through the intermediate ele ments already described, of the drain valve 24 in the corresponding tank compartment l5. After being swung downward as just explained, the control handle 25 is prevented from returning by the toggle action of its eccentric center under the reverse pull of the spring 45 at the connection, with said eccentric center and the terminal or link 29 beyond the vertical through the axis of the rock shaft 26 forming the fulcrum center of said handle, whereby the valve 24 of the corresponding tank compartment is set or locked in open position to permit draining of such compartment. The downward swing of the control handle 25 is limited, as will be noted from Fig. VI, through engagement of said handle with the cross bar 41a of an element 41 which is illustrated in perspective in Fig. VIII, and, which, for reasons later on explained, serves as a trip member. As shown, this trip member 41 is formed at opposite ends of its cross bar 41a with drop hangers 41b which are apertured to engage the rock shaft 26 of the control handles 25 in the intervals between the bosses of the endmost of said handles and the sides 21b of the mounting 21, said hangers being secured to the rock shaft by pins 48, see Fig. V. Projecting laterally from the end hangers 41b of the trip member 41 are lugs 41c, 41d, which, by cooperation with the side verticals 21b of the mounting 21, permit a limited amount of rocking movement of the rock shaft 26.

To one end of the rock shaft 26 is pinned another lever handle 49, which is subject to the downward pull of a tension spring 50, and which is thus normally held in horizontal position as shown in Fig, III as a consequence of the enforced contact of the lugs 41c on the trip member 41 with the side verticals 21b of the mounting 21. By lifting the lever handle 49, anticlockwise movement will obviously be imparted to the rock shaft 26 and the trip member 41 attached to it, with attendant rearward displacement and tripping of any of the control handles 25 which may have been depressed, and of the terminals 29 by the cross bar 41a of said trip member, and with restoration of said handles to their normal upright positions by the cables 39 under the influence of the springs 45 of the connections 32. The drain valves 24 corresponding to the control handles 25 tripped as just explained are thus simultaneously released and permitted to close automatically under the action of their concealed springs.

In order to make it possible to close the drain valves 24 from the front of the vehicle in the event of a fire at the delivery end of the drain pipe 23, I have provided a supplemental control in the form of an additional cable 5| whereof the aft end is connected at 52 to the trip lever handle 49, and which is operable by means of a grasp 53 attached thereto at its forward end. As shown in Figs. I, II and III, the additional cable 5| is threaded through a guide tube 54 which extends upward in the compartment I 9 from a special clamp 55 on a bracket projection 56 of the frame 34, and then forwardly along the top of the tank H, with the guide tubes 3| for the cables 30, to fixed anchorages 51. Pulling of the grasp 53, will obviously result in lifting of the lever handle 49 in the compartment l9, and in turn, in the simultaneous closure of any valves 24 which may be open at the time.

For further protection against fire hazards, I provide a safety means capable of functioning automatically in the presence of heat or flame to cause closure of any drain valves 24 which may be open at the time. This safety means comprises a cylinder 58 (Figs. III, XI and XII) which is formed integrally with the clamp bracket 55 in the box [9. and which serves as a guide for a piston-like plunger 59. As shown in Fig. XI, this plunger 59 is cup-shaped in cross section and pierced centrally at 60 for free passage or reeving of the cable 5| therethrough during normal operation of the latter. A helical spring 6| with its lower end abutting an axially-operated disk 62 held by a pair of cross pins 63 in the bottom end of the cylinder 58, tends to urge the plunger 59 upward out of said cylinder. Fulcrumed at 64 to one side of the bracket 55 is an arm 65 which is normally held, by means of a fusible link 66, in the position illustrated in Fig. XI, with a lateral projection 61 thereof intercepting the plunger 59. Upon failure of the link 66 through fusion under the action of flame or heat, it is evident that, the armti will be left unrestrained whereby the plunger 59 is released tothe action of the Spring 6!. In being thus released, the plunger will spend its force upwardly against a clamp cellar 81m the cable 5], thereby causing the lever handle 59 to be lifted, and, in turn, causing any open drain valves 24 to be simultaneously closed through the inter vening parts of the trip means.

As a safeguard against lorgetfulness or negligence on the part of the driver to insure that the drain valves 24 are all closed before the vehicle gets under way after making a delivery,-I couple the lever handle 49, as shown in Fig. III, with a projecting anchorage B9 bolted to the door 20 of the compartment l9 adjacent the hinge 2%, by means of a link connection 10 consisting of a cable section H and a tension spring I2. As the projecting anchorage 69 moves upward in the box l9 to the dot and dash line position in Fig. III as the door 20 is shut, the trip lever handle H9 is automatically lifted and any open drain valve 24 closes as a result. The spring 12 constitutes a means to prevent breakage or bending of the interacting parts of the trip mechanism in case that the cable section (I of the connection I0 is too short.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operablc controls in the form of lever handles, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the valves, a trip member common to the holding elements, and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles, pre-set, as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

2. Valve operating mechanism for multi-comportment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve; flexible connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the valves, tubes for guiding the flexible connectors, a trip member common to the holding elements, and

means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles pro-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves.

3. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, connectors coordinating the control handies individually with the drain valves, a toggle link associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a

trip member common to the toggle links: and

means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggle links of any control handles pro-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

4. Valve operating mechanism for multi-ccmpartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern. discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, a shaft whereon said control handles are fulcrumed with capacity for independent actuation, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, a toggle link interposed in each connector and pivoted to each control handle to hold such handle set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the toggle links secured to the shaft, and means whereby said shaft may be rocked to actuate the trip member for simultaneous tripplug of the toggles of any control handles preset as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves.

5. Valve operating mechanism for muiti-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group oi independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access at a suitable point on the vehicle, connectors coordinoting the control handles individually with the valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding element of the several control handles, and means local to said handles whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggle links of any handles pre-sctas aforesaid to release the corresponding valves.

6. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments, said valve mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access at a suitable point on the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles individually with the valves. an element associated with each of the control handles to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, means local to the control handles whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggles of any of said handles, pro-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves, and supplemental means whereby the trip member may be actuatcd at a point remote from the control handles.

7. Valve operating mechanism for multi-com- Dartmcnt tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, and havin separate self-closingvalves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access at a suit able point on the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles individually with the drain valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, means whereby the tripmember may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggles of any control handles ore-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves, and supplemental means responsive to excessive heat or flame and operative to automatically actuate the trip member in the event of fire.

8. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed to transport fuel oils and the like and having separate selfclosing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments into a common rearwardly extending drain pipe, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access at the rear of the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles individually with the drain valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, means local to the control handles whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the toggles of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves, and supplemental means likewise at the rear of the vehicle responsive to excessive heat or flame and operative automatically to actuate the trip member in the event of a fire at the delivery end of the drain P 1 9.

9. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of the liquids from the individual compartments into a drain pipe extending to the rear end of the vehicle, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles convenient of access in a utility compartment at the rear of the tank above the delivery end of the drain pipe, connectors extending from the control handles in the utility box to the individual drain valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold such handle set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, means within the utility box whereby the trip member may be manually actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves, and supplemental means likewise within the utility box responsive to excessive heat or flame and operative to automatically actuate the trip member in the event of fire at the delivery end of the drain pipe.

10. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the delivery of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles located in a utility box at the rear end of the vehicle, a shaft whereon said control handles are fu'lcrumed with capacity for independent actuation, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold the latter set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member secured to the shaft and having a cross bar common to the holding elements and means within the utility box whereby the shaft may manually be rocked to actuate the trip member and thereby eflect simultaneous tripping of the holding members of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid to release the corresponding valve.

11. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independentlyoperab1e controls in the form of lever handles located in a, utility box at the rear end of the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements, means within the utility box whereby the trip member may be actuated to trip the holding members of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid, for release of the corresponding valves, and supplemental means whereby the trip member may be manually actuated from the front end of the vehicle.

12. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles located within a utility box at the rear end of the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, an element associated with each such control handle to hold the latter set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the holding elements of the several control handles, and means connecting the trip member to the door of the utility compartment whereby, as said door is closed, said trip member is automatically actuated to trip the holding elements of any handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

13. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member common to the several holding elements, means whereby the trip member may be manually actuated to trip the holding elements of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves, means whereby the trip member may be manually actuated, and safety means for automatically actuating the trip member in the event of fire including a spring, and a fusible member adapted to melt under the action of excessive heat or of flame to release the spring for exertion of its force upon said trip means.

14. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like and having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments into a common drain pipe extending rearward of the vehicle, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles located in a utility box at the rear end of the vehicle, connectors coordinating the control handles with the individual valves, a shaft on which said handles are fulcrumed with capacity for independent actuation, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, a trip member secured to the shaft and having a bar common to the several holding elements, a separate lever secured to the shaft whereby the trip member may be manually actuated to trip the holding members of any control handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves, a flexible connector extending from the trip handle in the utility box forward of the tank and constituting a supplemental means whereby the trip means may be actuated from the front end of the vehicle and safety means within the utility box automatically operative to actuate the trip lever in the event of fire including a collar on the flexible connector, a spring, and a fusible element adapted to melt under the action of excessive heat or of flame to release the spring for exertion of its force upon the collar of the flexible connector.

15. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquid from the individual cornpartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, flexible cable connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the valves; slack take-up means interposed in the flexible connectors; a trip member common to the holding elements, and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding element of any control handles, pro-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

16. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles, an element associated with each control handle to set it when swung to open the corresponding valve, flexible cable connectors coordinating the holding eleindividually with the valves, screw links interposed between the holding elements and the flexible cable connectors whereby the slack of the latter may be taken up, a trip member common to the holding elements and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles, pre -set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

17. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having self-closing bottom valves with individual actuating means at the top of the tank to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable controls in the form of lever handles at the rear end of the tank, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, flexible cable connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the actuators at the top of the tank, means for guiding the movement of the cables, a trip member common to the holding elements, and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles, pro-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

18. Valve operating mechanism for multl-compartment tanks having separate self-closing bottom valves with individual actuating means at the top of the tank to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a. segregated group of independently operable controls in the form of lever handles at the rear end of the tank, an element associated with each control handle to hold it set when swung to open the corresponding valve, flexible cable connectors coordinating the holding elements individually with the actuators at the top of the tank, fixed guide tubes for the connectors extending along the top of the tank and downwardly of its rear end to a point near the controls, a trip member common to the holding elements, and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip the holding elements of any control handles, pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valve.

19. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks with self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles; connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action; a trip member: and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or han dles, pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

20. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks with self -closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever control handles; connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle iulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung substantially through a quadrant from normal position, the corresponding valves are moved to open position and held set in such position by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously tripany handle or handles, pro-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

21. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks wth self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles of angular configuration; and connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers at the angles of the respective levers eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung through substantially a quadrant in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action.

22. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks with self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles of angular configuration; connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers at the angles of the respective levers and eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung through substantially a quadrant in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or handles, pro-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

23. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks with self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles; coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves; terminals secured to the other ends of the connectors and pivotally connected to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or handles, pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

24. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the trans port of fuel oils and the like, having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles fulcrumed to swing on a common axis; connectors coordinated at one of their ends to the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby said trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any control handle or handles, pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

25. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartnient tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, having separate self-closing valves to govern the discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles located within a utility box at the rear of the vehicle; a door on said box permitting access to the handles; con-- noctors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, Whereby, when said handles are swung in one direction, the corresponding valves are opened and held set in open position by toggle action; a trip member; and means automatically operated incident to closing the door of the utility compartment to trip any handle or handles, pre-set as aforesaid, with attendant release of the valves.

26. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks of vehicles employed in the transport of fuel oils and the like, having separate self-closing valves to govern the discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles located Within a utility box at the rear of the vehicle; a door on said box permitting access to the handles; and connectors coordinated at one of their ends with the respective valves and pivotally connected at their other ends to centers on the respective lever handles eccentric to the handle fulcrums, whereby, when said handles are swung downward from a normal vertical position to horizontal position, said valves are set in open position by toggle action.

2'7. Valve opera ting mechanism for multl-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independentlyoperable lever handles; and flexible connectors coordinating the valves with toggle centers on the handles whereby, when swung to open the respective valves, said handles are held set under toggle action.

28. Valve operating mechanism for multi-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently operable lever handles; and flexible connectors extending individually from the valves; terminal members on said connectors pivoted to toggle centers on the corresponding levers so that when swung to open the valves, the levers are held set by toggle action.

29. Valve operating mechanism for multicompartmcnt tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from the individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independentlyoperable lever handles; flexible connectors coordinating the valves individually with toggle centers on the levers, whereby when said levers are swung to open the valves said valves are held open by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or handles preset as aforesaid to release the corresponding valves.

30. Valve operating mechanism for multl-compartment tanks having separate self-closing valves to govern discharge of liquids from individual compartments, said mechanism comprising a segregated group of independently-operable lever handles; flexible connectors extending individually from the valves; terminal members on said connectors pivoted to toggle centers on the corresponding levers so that, when swung to open the valves, the levers are held set by toggle action; a trip member; and means whereby the trip member may be actuated to simultaneously trip any handle or handles pre-set as aforesaid, to release the corresponding valves.

JAMES A. JENSEN. 

